Day: November 6, 2021

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia’s Smart Glove on Saturday said it was opposed to forced labour and committed to the well-being of its workers, after the United States banned imports from the rubber glove maker for alleged forced labour practices.

On Thursday, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a “Withhold Release Order” https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-bans-imports-fifth-malaysian-firm-15-months-over-alleged-forced-labour-2021-11-05 prohibiting imports from Smart Glove and its group of companies, citing what the CBP called reasonable evidence that indicates “Smart Glove production facilities utilise forced labour”.

Smart Glove, which makes gloves used in the medical and food industries, became the fifth Malaysian firm in 15 months to be slapped with such a ban.

In an emailed statement, Smart Glove said it had contacted CBP to obtain more information about the ban and that it would look to resolve the action.

“Smart Glove stands against forced labour and is committedto all of our workers’ health, safety and well-being; and we remain dedicated to their welfare,” it said.

Malaysian factories – which make everything from palm oil to medical gloves and iPhone components – have come under increasing scrutiny over allegations of abuse of foreign workers, who form a significant part of the manufacturing workforce.

Smart Glove’s peers have also faced similar U.S. action over alleged labour abuses.

Supermax Corp SUPM.KL, banned last month https://www.reuters.com/world/us-bars-malaysian-glove-maker-supermax-over-alleged-labour-abuses-2021-10-21, has said it will speed up a process it had begun in 2019 to meet International Labour Organisation standards on workers welfare.

Top Glove TPGC.KL – the world’s largest latex glove maker- was barred by the CBP last July. The ban was lifted last month.

Source: ASEAN Exchanges

In its drive to assist more workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the labor department will be providing emergency employment to 1,300 displaced women workers in Pampanga.

The beneficiaries will be employed for 15 days and will subsequently receive their salary amounting to P6,300 under the labor department’s flagship program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

Labor Secretary Silvestre ‘Bebot’ Bello III on Thursday met with the beneficiaries comprised of housewives dubbed ‘Nanay Community Workers’ at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City.

The ‘Nanay Community Workers’ come from the different barangays all over the province and are the local government unit’s volunteers for quick information dissemination and response on issues concerning health, peace and order, natural disaster, and education, said Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda.

Addressing the TUPAD beneficiaries, Bello assured the government’s aid to workers, especially those affected by the pandemic. At the same time, he advised them to use the Department’s assistance wisely.

“We are here to deliver the government’s services closer to you. As President Duterte always reminds us, this is the people’s money and we have to give it to you. In return, please use your salaries wisely,” said Bello.

The labor chief also reminded the TUPAD beneficiaries to be vigilant against scams by ensuring that they will receive their full salary after their temporary employment.

Aside from assistance under the Department’s cash-for-work program, Bello also committed to helping the Kapampangan ambulant vendors through the ‘Negosyo sa Kariton’ (Nego-Kart) and members of the LGBTQ community through the Bikecination Project.

The bicycle units with Android phones and P5,000 load serve as an alternative source of income to informal sector workers or their next of kin under the A4 category who have completed their vaccine against COVID-19, explained Bello.

“This is one incentive to encourage our workers to get vaccinated and to help in the country’s fight against this pandemic,” he added.

Governor Pineda thanked Bello for the continuous assistance extended to the province even at the start of the pandemic.

Source: DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT REPUBLIC OF PHILIPPINES